Mexico, NZ commit to stronger trade relations

Prime Minister John
Key says he and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto have
committed to strengthening the trade relationship between
New Zealand and Mexico, following bilateral talks in Mexico
City.

“Mexico and New Zealand have shared a
friendly relationship for 40 years. President Peña Nieto
and I agreed the trade relationship between our two
countries, while healthy, could be strengthened further,”
says Mr Key.

Mr Key’s bilateral visit to Mexico is
the first by a world leader since President Peña Nieto
assumed office in December.

“Mexico is New
Zealand’s largest goods trading partner in Latin America,
and we would both like to see the two countries’ private
sectors engage more in areas like agri-business, renewable
energy and telecommunications.

“There is huge
potential to advance our relationship by fostering trade and
economic links, promoting investment and working together
more closely in the Asia-Pacific region,” says Mr Key.

“I am pleased our two countries have today agreed to a
Statement of Intent, which will provide the framework for
the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and
Employment to work with the newly created Mexican National
Entrepreneurs Institute.

“This will enable the two
organisations to share information and carry out joint
projects to grow trade and investment between Mexico and New
Zealand.

Mr Key says the economies of New Zealand
and Mexico share many similarities.

“Our
similarities mean we compete in some areas – like the
export of some fruit and vegetables – but, because of our
different growing seasons, there is a lot of room for our
industries to cooperate. For example, growers in New Zealand
and Mexico could better coordinate their marketing to ensure
a year-round quality supply of product to export
markets.

“President Peña Nieto and I also
discussed the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations which,
along with other leaders, we are encouraging negotiators to
complete by October.

“New Zealand exporters to
Mexico currently face tariffs of up to 60 per cent on some
goods. The successful completion of TPP negotiations will
create further opportunities for New Zealand businesses
wanting to export, expand and invest overseas.

“I
have invited President Peña Nieto to visit New Zealand so
we can continue our discussions around growing the flow of
trade and investment between our two countries, and working
together constructively in the Asia-Pacific region,” says
Mr Key.

“I would also like to thank President
Peña Nieto for Mexico’s support for New Zealand’s
candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations
Security Council.

“New Zealand and Mexico enjoy a
relationship of close cooperation on many international
issues, and President Peña Nieto’s support for our bid
underscores that,” says Mr Key.

Mr Key is leading
a trade delegation to Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Brazil,
and returns to New Zealand on March 15.

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